A variety of products continue to trend on social media platforms, making them the most popular they have ever been. Whether we see it on get-ready-with-me videos on TikTok or a reel on Instagram, these cosmetics are everywhere you turn.
Although we may find ourselves reaching for the newest, most popular brands, the prices on some of these products are enough to turn us away, dejectedly staring down at our dwindling wallets. However, many people would be surprised to know just how many products have dupes, or closely similar alternatives.
Most of us want to live an affordable lifestyle, which seems like an impossibility when faced with increasing price points on many of the most coveted lifestyle products. But I’m here to tell you about the wallet-friendly dupes of different popular products that will result in you feeling more satisfied with your purchase.
People purchase jewelry in all forms for its ability to spruce up any look. However, it can also be very expensive, leaving buyers looking for low-cost, yet still good quality, alternatives
Nicole Perdomo, a freshman business student, suggests utilizing Amazon to find your new go-to earrings. Whether it’s your typical gold hoop or pearl studs, she expressed, “They don’t tarnish, and they look like the real deal.”
T.J. Maxx also has an extensive jewelry section ranging from watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more. Most are under $20, last for a long duration, and will not tarnish.
For our active students looking to buy matching sets or workout clothes to look and feel their best, on-brand clothing sets like Lululemon and Aritzia have their dupes.
Forever 21 has an affordable section dedicated to workout clothes. Amazon also offers a variety of workout clothes to choose from, including sets, shorts, and various gear. Additionally, Marshalls holds an affordable athletic wear section for everyone. You can find Nike, Adidas, Puma, Gym Shark, and other popular brands sold here!
We can’t forget about the makeup enthusiasts. Katiuska Pizarro, a sophomore Spanish education major, loves doing her makeup routine on a budget. She said, “The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand is basically the same thing as the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, and I also saved myself money. Expensive makeup brands almost always have dupes that can save you more money than you would think.”
e.l.f. Cosmetics products are currently trending for their reputation as being noteworthy dupes of more expensive brands. For example, e.l.f. just came out with their Camo Liquid Blushes for only $7 apiece. Many reviewers claim it is a dupe for Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, which retails at $23.
NYX Cosmetics also offers more affordable makeup options. For those who love a tint on their lips, NYX’s Fat Oil Lip Drips come in a variety of different shades to achieve the perfect glossy lip at only $9.
It can be hard to keep up with all the different trends and dupes circling around on the Internet. To ease your stress, there are a couple of apps you can download to make affordable shopping an easy experience. Apps like Temu or TikTok Shop sell a variety of different dupes for all kinds of products.
Make sure to do some research about what alternative products are out there before succumbing to high price points that will leave you broke.
